Community News

Releve dancers harvest trophies in national finals

Releve Performing Arts Center dancers pose with their trophies at the Star Systems Dance Competition National Finals.

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 25, 2023

Releve Performing Arts Center’s dance Genesis, choreographed by Jamie Osteen, received a perfect score at Star Systems Dance Competition’s National Finals in Charleston, South Carolina, June 27-July 1, the dance studio announced.

Along with the perfect score, the dancers received the title of Grand National Champions. Genesis has won first overall at four regional competitions, won multiple choreography and high point awards and received standing ovations from audience members.

“I like to create dances that have a meaning behind them, especially about important people in my life or important events,” Osteen said. “I’ve done a dance dedicated to my son, Colton Osteen (who passed away), to my amazing parent’s relationship before they died, and to surviving grief. Three years ago a student brought me the song Genesis. I’ve been wanting to do a dance about or involving my faith and immediately thought of the story of Adam and Eve.

“I am a Christian and I was raised in a strong Christian home. It’s hard in our industry as many can be so judgmental instead of appreciating what is being brought to the table. But my students were ready and it was time to bring my vision to life. It took a lot of work, changing the choreography numerous times, waiting on my props crew to figure out the tree and working on the perfect costumes...but we did it!”

In addition, Releve dancer Danny Castro was awarded Mr. Dance Superstar Division, Jillian Hyder was crowned Miss Senior Dance Shooting Star Division and Ava Lyda won first runner-up in the Miss Teen Dance Shooting Star Division. The studio’s production of A Night at the Museum won the 12-and-under Super Star National Grand Champion and the senior group took the top three scores in the Senior Super Star Division with To the Class of 2023 coming in second and The Greek Gods taking third. Overall, the studio had thirteen dances that were National Champions and won first overall in their division.

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Releve Performing Arts Center, a competitive and recreational dance studio, is at 2314 Asheville Highway. For more information visit releveperformingartscenter.com.